Bonhomie Across The Border

With over 500 members from all over Punjab,the association is fairly young but has over the last couple of years been actively promoting friendly ties between the two countries. “We believe that the common man on both sides of the border can play a huge role in furthering peace and development,” remarked Shergill,who has been extending support to cultural exchange programmes and people-to-people contact ever since the association was formed.

The Friends of China Association has people from all walks of life and age groups as its members. “We have been overwhelmed by the participation,” says Shergill,who mentions that apart from intellectuals and professionals,the association now has its own youth wing. “A group of students from our youth wing,in fact,represented India at a children’s dance festival a few months back,” he says.

Recognising the special efforts being made by the association,the Chinese Ambassador to India,Zhang Yan invited the Friends of China Association and members of its Punjab chapter to be a part of a seminar marking the 60th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations held on April 3 in New Delhi. “We were happy to meet representatives of similar associations who had come from across India for the seminar,” said Shergill,who was accompanied by a group of 13 professionals from Chandigarh and Mohali. “They were perfect hosts and it was a nice insight into the country and its people with whom we are eager to forge bonds of friendship,” added Pritpal Kaur Halwarvi,a city-based lecturer,who was part of the delegation to the Chinese Embassy.